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Residents press council on cannabis smells and election reform; council approves festival funding and updates five‑year plan
Summary
Public commenters urged action on cannabis odor enforcement and proposed ranked‑choice voting; council approved a family fitness festival and a community assistance grants process, and adopted amendments to its five‑year strategic plan emphasizing roads, communications and housing strategies.
Three members of the public used the meeting’s public comment period to press the council on neighborhood quality‑of‑life and election reform.
Janet Re told the council she continues to experience persistent cannabis and “burning” odors near operations she identified as “C4,” and urged stricter enforcement of use permits. "They knew what the rules were before they opened their doors," she said.
Alan Carvalo praised the city’s Pride weekend and the Human Rights Campaign recognition but criticized organizers for limited Cathedral City representation and urged honoring local volunteers and founders.
Eric Castillo, a Cathedral City resident, urged council to consider ranked‑choice voting in the upcoming charter update, saying it would broaden candidate pools and reduce 'spoiler' effects. "By adopting rank choice voting, we send a clear message...that your voice is welcome," Castillo said.
On the consent and legislative calendars, council unanimously approved the consent agenda and proceeded to several action items: the council awarded a construction contract (see separate story), approved $2,000 from the PACE small events budget for a Family Fitness Festival at the Cathedral City Amphitheater on April 4, and authorized staff to begin the FY 2026–27 community assistance grant solicitation with a $70,000 fund and a March 13–April 17 application window.
Assistant City Manager Ann Ambrose presented recommended amendments to the city’s five‑year strategic plan informed by a community survey. Council added several staff tasks and priorities including a charter‑review timeline to align with the next election, continued prioritization of local road repairs and stormwater coordination, research into a street‑sweeping/no‑parking ordinance, assessment of sidewalk obstructions (mailboxes and other fixtures), strategies to attract health providers, and a campaign to promote commercial property maintenance. Council voted to adopt the amended plan.
What happens next: Staff will publish the community assistance grant materials, organize subcommittee review and return awards for council approval in June; the strategic plan updates will be programmed into the city’s workplan with departmental timelines to follow.
